Wednesday proves to be a step forward

<strong>August 4, 2005</strong>
Source: <a href="http://www.chargers.com/news/headline_detail.cfm?news_key=2219">Chargers.com
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<img src="http://www.bolttalk.com/images/caldwell01.jpg" class="right"alt="Reche Caldwell" title="Reche Caldwell"/>Head Coach Marty Schottenheimer shook things up last night with an evening practice but this afternoon it was back to business as usual for the Chargers. The Bolts again strayed from their two-a-days schedule and practices just once on Wednesday.

"We had a very good day today," said Schottenheimer. "We got a lot done and we worked extremely well together. The energy was very, very good, and the execution was pretty good. We have a long way to go, but today was a step forward."

After missing some time with a knee injury, linebacker Donnie Edwards practice for the second consecutive day and was right in the middle of the action. Rookie Shawne Merriman followed up his big Tuesday night with a solid work out, although offensive tackle Shane Olivea seemed to get the best of the Bolts' top pick during one-on-one pass rushing drills. Rookie tackle Wesley Britt also held his own during the pass rushing drills.

Schottenheimer vocally praised the work of running back Michael Turner during special teams drills. "The Burner" continually got to the hole to create room for returner Darren Sproles.

DeQuincy Scott continued to see some action at linebacker. The versatile defensive end effectively rushed the quarterback from a standup position, and Schottenheimer again spoke of the possibility of using Scott more as a linebacker.

"We think he gives us great versatility," said Schottenheimer. "He is extremely bright, and I think he only made one mental error out there today after spending just one whole meeting with the linebackers."

Schottenheimer asserts that his team today is a different team from a year ago, with improved confidence and different dynamics. That includes the addition of seasoned wide receiver Keenan McCardell from Tampa Bay just days before the 2004 trade deadline.

"When you talk about professionalism in our trade, he ranks in the top three percent of people I've been around," added Schottenheimer. "You can count on him every week. You don't ever have to worry about his ability or his attention to detail. He's a terrific player."

McCardell's fellow route runner Reche Caldwell returned to the field after missing a week with a sore hamstring, suiting up in full pads for the first time this camp. The receiving corps had a solid outing, including an all out effort during nine-on-nine. On the other side of the ball, the battle at free safety continues to heat up as Jerry Wilson, Bhawoh Jue, and Clinton Hart generate buzz on the field.

"They're all three different types of athletes," said Schottenheimer. "Bhawoh (Jue) is a big strong physical guy, and either Bhawoh or Clinton Hart can play strong safety for you, so we'll just play it out with those three, Jerry Wilson included, Rob Butler, we'll be able to come up with a pretty solid unit."

Cornerback Sammy Davis sat out the last period with a slight hamstring strain, but should be back in the mix tomorrow. Schottenheimer also has Igor Olshansky (hamstring), Courtney Van Buren (knee), Ben Leber (foot), Malcolm Floyd (calf), Ryan Krause (foot), and Marques Harris (back) on his injured list, none of which appear to be of any long term consequence.